Because dual narratives and frame narratives are frequent tropes, especially in historical and women’s fiction, I edit a decent amount of manuscripts that use them. This can be a fantastic device if the author’s intention in using this structure is either evident on the page or is something they’ve told me they’re working toward.
If the reason is just that it’s a trope of the genre and therefore they have to do it, though? Then, Houston, we may have a problem.
Read MoreThis contrast between the broad strokes of an autobiography and the deep dive of a memoir is something that writers new to creative nonfiction struggle with. That said, I feel that it is an important difference to master in order to write a successful memoir.
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Even the most talented, thoughtful writer can miss critical mistakes when it comes to a passion project. Objective editorial feedback – whether from a professional editor, a beta reader, or even a software program – can help catch and correct embarrassing mistakes before they’re disseminated, along with the manuscript, to a wider audience.
Read MoreWhen it comes to passages that make you go “…whoa,” every writer knows the importance of a great opening sentence. (Name one workshop on finding your dream agent that doesn’t talk about “perfecting your hook.” I dare you.) Put simply, a great opening sentence gives you the platform and the opportunity to grab a reader’s attention and never let go.
Here’s a phenomenal example that made me go, “…whoa” recently:
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